In July at San Lorenzo Seminary, Br. Angelo Soto professed his first vows as a Capuchin Franciscan. Surrounded by friars, family, and members of the community, he took the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience for the first time. This moment marked an important step in his formation after a year of postulancy and a full year of novitiate.
The ceremony took place inside the seminary chapel, where images of Our Lady of Angels, patroness of the province, were displayed around the altar. During the rite, Br. Angelo placed his hands in those of Fr. Joseph Seraphin, our Provincial Minister, as he formally professed his vows. Br. Peter Ciolino and Fr. Victor Taglianetti served as witnesses, which was especially meaningful for Fr. Victor, who had accompanied Br. Angelo as his vocation director.
This profession of vows marks a visible transition in the life of a friar. Novices usually spend a year without seeing their families. At the ceremony, the friar begins seated with his parents. After the vows, he joins the friars in the pews, a sign that his new family is the Capuchin brotherhood. His own family remains close, now part of something even larger.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Br. Angelo shared:
“Prayer is a foundation of our charism. There’s a saying: ‘If a friar will pray, he will stay. If a brother does not pray, it is better for him to go away.’ Prayer is a key part of who we are. Without it, we can’t do anything. For me, this novitiate year has been about preparing myself and asking the Lord, ‘What do You want me to do?’ He has reaffirmed me countless times, but only when I’ve been in prayer. If I hadn’t prayed, I wouldn’t be here.”
Br. Angelo now begins life as a student friar, continuing his formation through study, fraternity, and prayer. Please keep him and all our friars in formation in your prayers.
If you’re discerning a vocation and want to learn more about Capuchin life, we invite you to reach out by clicking here.
